Electrification Fellow

Work Environment: Hybrid

Term (approximate): December 2023-September 2024; 40 hours/week

Benefits: Health care coverage, professional development, industry networking, University of California Climate Stewards Certification.

About Silicon Valley Clean Energy

Do you want to be a part of an organization that is fighting climate change, accelerating electric innovation and reinvesting locally? Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) is the community choice electricity provider for 13 communities in Santa Clara County. By providing renewable and carbon-free electricity, SVCE has reduced local, energy-related emissions by 29% from the 2015 baseline and is continuing to reduce emissions through innovative community programs focused on building and transportation electrification. 

Position Overview & Description

Under staff direction, the fellow’s primary role will be to develop, coordinate, and support SVCE’s electric vehicle (EV) education initiatives and incentives to accelerate EV adoption. As transportation emissions are the single largest source of local greenhouse gases, electrifying this sector is a key strategy for regional decarbonization. While sales of new EVs are growing rapidly in Silicon Valley, far greater rates of adoption will be necessary to achieve local and state climate goals.

The fellow will also support SVCE’s residential building electrification programs, which serve to provide education, incentives, and technical assistance to customers. These programs aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enabling customers to switch from methane gas to all-electric appliances, such as heat pumps and induction cooking ranges. 

The research performed during this fellowship will directly inform current and near-term program design and budgetary allocations. The work performed for this fellowship requires independent thinking, strong research skills, organization, and a self-starter attitude. 

Essential Duties

The successful fellow will:

• Develop and coordinate EV education initiatives that communicate the benefits of EVs to SVCE’s diverse customer base;
• Research existing EV education campaigns, strategies, incentives, and activities and provide recommendations for SVCE programming;
• Support the implementation of educational EV programming in parallel with SVCE’s ongoing EV charging incentive programs;
• Support the implementation of building electrification incentives, including program marketing and process improvement;
• Coordinate with staff in other departments/teams, external partners, community members, and other stakeholders to advance program implementation;
• Perform tasks of an analytical or research nature for suitable projects or ongoing assignments which call for specific acquired academic skills and knowledge;
• Evaluate and chronicle program successes, lessons learned, and future opportunities;
• Communicate with and deliver presentations to community members, as needed;
• Collect data and prepare reports on program metrics and accomplishments for internal and external audiences. 

Qualifications

Qualified candidates should be a recent graduate from an academic institution with a degree that will provide the specific skills and knowledge that will contribute to available work assignments. 

Additionally, we are looking for someone who is passionate about learning, not afraid to be challenged and excited by the opportunity to apply acquired academic knowledge to real world business endeavors. 

The following skills are also highly desired:

• Understanding and interest in transportation and building electrification
• Motivated to work independently with limited direction
• Ability to work with a team and coordinate with different stakeholders
• Passion for community engagement and communication 
• Experience working with underserved communities
• Exceptional research skills
• Strong interviewing, public speaking, and presentation skills
• Graphic design skills (e.g., Canva) would be a plus, but not required

SEI requires employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

SEI is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equity. We believe that a wide array of perspectives contributes to creative climate solutions where all communities thrive. We strive to reflect diverse communities, especially those most impacted by climate change and other kinds of environmental, social, and economic injustices. Persons of color, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply. A commitment to work and learn within an anti-oppression framework is required. https://www.seiinc.org/dei.html